Torpedo carrier and discharger



Nov- 7, 1944- J. D. LANGDON TORPEDO CARRIER AND DISCHARGER Filed Jan.20, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. J8 5 BY 33 ms A D Langdon @Kufif?Nov. 7, 1944. J, LANGDQN 2,361,949

TORPEDO CARRIER AND DISCHARGER Filed Jan. 20 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 2INVENTOR J se D. Lon don (j@ O 6 HI ORNEY I Nov. 7, 1944.

J. D. LANGDON TORPEDO CARRIER AND DISCHARGER 4 Sheets-Sh eet 3 FiledJan. 20, 1942 m H RIG N m5 R n 0 q T Dg e J. D. LANGDON TORPEDO CARRIERAND DISCHARGER Filed Jan. 20, 1942 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 sse D. Langdoh ,0.Face ATTORNEY INVENTOR Patented Nov. 7, 194 4 UNITED STATES PATENTOFFICE 2,361,949 'ronrano CARRIER AND DISCHARGER Jesse D. Langdon,Downey, Calif. Application January 20, 1942, Serial No. 427,997 7Claims. 91. 114-47) My present invention relates, to torpedo carriersand dischargers, and more particularly to a torpedo carrier anddischarger of the submersible dirigible type. 1

My invention is directed particularly to a torpedo carrier designed tobe controlled and operated by one or more men and is designed to besubmersible and to be equipped with all the necessary apparatus for itspropulsion either above or bneath the water, and for the firing andsighting of torpedoes carried thereby.

In carrying out my invention I provide a torpedo carrier in the form ofa hull made up of the necessary structural elements, but preferablyhaving as a skeleton inner body, a frame formed of a plurality oflongitudinal extending rigid members between adjacent pairs of which isstretched a flexible resilient or elastic skin made,

for example, of rubber or rubberized fabric. When the torpedo carrier isresting on the surface or only slightly beneath the surface of thewater, the flexible or elastic skin is inflated to such a degree as toenable the carrier to float on the surface and to present a full lineappearance; the inflated skin serves as a cushion against damage to thecarrier by depth charges or the like and minimize danger of collapsingof any hollow metal or other container of the carrier when the carrierhas been submerged, the resilient or elastic material being flexedinwardly by concussion,

thereby protecting the entire structure from damage.

My improved torpedo carrier is primarily designed for carrying one ortwo torpedoes, and as the torpedo carrier is relatively small, and as.

compared to the torpedo carrier, the torpedo is relatively large, itisapparent that the discharge of the torpedowill seriously upset thebalance of the torpedo carrier. I have, therefore, arranged balancingmeans for trimming the ship after the discharge of the torpedo so astokeep the torpedo carrier on an even keel, regardless of the presence orabsence of the torpedo.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a central, vertical, longitudinal section through one form ofa torpedo carrier embodying my invention. 1

Fig. 2 is a vertical, sectional end elevation taken on the line 2-2 ofFig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a vertical, sectional elevation taken on the line 33 of Fig.1.

Fig. 4 is a View of a modification of my invention.

Fig. 5 is a vertical, sectional elevation taken on the line 5-5 of Fig.4.

Fig. 6 is a profile view of a preferred form of the invention, and 1Fig. 7 is a transverse section of Fig. 6 at 1-1.

Referringto the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 to 3,inclusive, l0 designates a plurality of substantially U-shaped membersof steel or other rigid material, extending longitudinally as shown inFig, 3, and being connected at their forward ends to a nose II and attheir rear to a sternblock 12. The form generally outlined by themembers l0 is an elongated cigar-shaped skeleton or body between whichare flexible and resilient plates I3. The longitudinal edges of theplates are inturned and housed within the U-" shaped members Ill asshown in cross section in Figs. 2 and 3. The lowermost member ID islocated at the bottom of the vessel and inserted into theU-shaped-member ID at the bottom is a keel 14 for affording stability tothe vessel.

Within the confines of the vessel is all of the mechanism and machineryfor operating the same, as well as compartments for such mechanism,together with, a torpedo tube or tubes for housing one or more torpedoesand a control c0m partment. Referring to Fig. 2, it will be noted thatextending across the width of the body and secured to the upperlongitudinal members, [0 is a deck or platform I5 and that such deck orplatform forms the deck of a control cabin or cage IS. The vessel is,provided with a hatch ll having transparent panels I8 therein, throughwhich an observer seated within the control cabin I6 may look forwardand to either side of the vessel to observe the course thereof. Withinconvenient reach of the operators position is provided the usualtelescoping periscope IQ for use when the vessel is submerged. Withinthe cabin l6 and rearwardly of the operators position therein isarranged a storage cabinet 20 provided with doors 2| for the storage offood, medicine, etc. Resting on the deck I5 and rearwardly of the sup- 1ply cabinet 20 is arranged a high pressure air tank 22.

Immediately below the deck l5 and secured to the underside of such deckby hangers 23 is a torpedo tube 24. The forward end of the torpedo tube24 extends through the nose H and has formed integral therewith at itforward'end an annular flange 25 which is secured to the front face ofthe nose H and a passage 26 of a diameter equal to the diameter of atorpedo butless than the internal diameter of the torpedo tube 24.Within the torpedo tube 24 which acts as an elongated ,cylinder isslidably mounted a piston 21 provided on its front face with a toggleclutch member 28 and having attached to its rear face one end of a cable(preferably steel) 29, which cable is slidable in a gland 36 in the end3| of the torpedo tube 24.

The cable 29 is attached, one end to the reel or winch 3| and the otherend to the rear face of the piston 27. The reel 3| is secured to a shaft32 rotatably mounted in side frame members 33, see Fig. 3. These sideframe members are shown mounted on top of an air pressure tank 34,secured in position on the frame members l6 or otherwise supported frommovement. Secured to one end of the shaft 32 is a gear 35 which mesheswith and is driven by a similar beveled pinion 40 secured to a propellerdrive shaft 4| suitably mounted in bearings 42, and driven by the dieselmotor or equivalent as set forth more fully hereinafter.

The interior of the torpedo tube 24 is in communication with theinterior of the high pressure tank 22 through the conduit 42. In theconduit 42 is arranged a control valve 43 by means of which theconnection between the high pressure tank 22 and torpedo tube 24 may becontrolled at will. Mounted within the torpedo tube 24 is the torpedo 44provided at its front end with the releasable war-head 45 and at itsrear with the rudder 46 and propellers 41. The propellers are mounted onthe propeller shaft 48 and on such propeller shaft is mounted the member49 which cooperates with the toggle clutch members 28 that are mountedon the piston 21.

On the bottom of the torpedo carrier substantially amidships and on theplatform 56 is mounted a prime mover as a Diesel engine which isprovided with a drive shaft 52 that may be directly connected to thedrive shaft of an air compressor 53. The air compressor 53 is connectedto the high pressure tank 22 through conduit 54 and to the pressure tank34 through conduit55. The conduit 55 has mounted thereon a control valve56 to enable the operator to shut off thefcompressor 53 from the tank34. A similar valve may be inserted in the conduit 54, though 'I havenot shown such, as it is ordinarily not necessary. Mounted on the driveshaft 52 ofthe Diesel engine 5| 'is a beveled pinion 51 which mesheswith and "drives a corresponding beveled pinion 58 secured to the lowerend 'of a shaft 59. The upper end of the shaft 59 is rotatably mountedin abearing in the lower part of a clutch box 69. Also rotatably mountedon the clutch box 68 is the lower end of a shaft 6| which has secured toits top enda beveled pinion 62 which meshes with and drives thepropeller shaft 5| which is provided on its front end with the beveledpinion 63. 'Associated with the clutch box 66 is the clutch lever 64 bymeans of which the power from the Diesel engine 5| may be utilized todrive the propeller shaft 5| or render the same idle. I

The anterior propeller shaft 4| terminates at a clutching device (notshown) butlocate'd within the air turbine casing 65. As part of theclutch mechanism referred to but not shown is a member to which issecured the forward end of the shaft 66 and which shaft passes througha, stufling box 61 at the rear end of the hull and has secured to itsafter end the propeller 68.- Pivotally mounted on the aft end of thehull is a rudder 69 which may be controlled-from the operator'scompartment-.16 in any suitable or desired manner.

Within the turbine casing65 is'the usual turbine operated by air underhigh pressure from the high pressure tank 22 which is conveyed to therotor of the turbine through the conduit 10, a valve controlling theflow of air and in turn operable from the operators compartment l6.Mechanism not shown connects the rotor of the turbine within the casing65 through the stated clutching device with the posterior propellershaft 66.

As is usual, when the vessel is on the surface of the water, the turbineis out of commission and the propeller 69 is rotated from'powergenerated from the Diesel engine 5|. Simultaneously therewith the Dieselengine 5| operates the compressor 53 to maintain the high pressure tank22 charged and also the tank 34 charged. When the vessel is under waterand the Diesel engine can no longer be run with safety, the Dieselengine is placed out of commission and the propeller 68 is rotated bythe turbine within the casing 65 from power derived from the air underpressure. within the high pressure tank 22.

Assuming that the torpedo carrier is to pass through the operation oftaking on a torpedo, air will be forced into the torpedo tube 24 to movethe piston 21 therein outwardly until such piston abuts the flange 25.Because of the difference indiameter between the opening 26 and theflange 25 and the outer diameter of the piston which is the samediameter as the inside of the torpedo tube 24, the piston 21 will bestopped at this point. A. torpedo 44 will now be backed up manuallyuntil the member 49 carried by the tail shaft 48 thereof will come intoengagement with the toggle clutch 28. When this occurs, the operator, bythrowing the clutch 38 see Fig. 3, will cause the reel 3| to be rotatedto wind up the cable 29 thereon and draw the torpedo 44 into the torpedotube 24 until such torpedo assumes its position within the torpedo tubeshown in Fig. 1.

When it is desired to discharge the torpedo, the operator will open thevalve 43 thereby permitting air under pressure to fiow into the torpedotube 24 behind the piston 27, forcing the torpedo 44 outwardly andsimultaneously opening the toggle arms 28 so as to free the torpedo 44from the piston 21.

In the status succeeding the discharge of a torpedo from the torpedotube 24 and the piston 21 has been moved to the discharge end of thetorpedo tube, the torpedo tube and its piston 21 may be employed foreffecting rapid submerging of the torpedo carrier, namely, as a meansfor drawing water into the torpedo tube 24, which "operation requiresthat the discharge end of the torpedo tube be under the surface of the'water, a factor of high strategical value. In general, the torpedo tube24,- in the absence of carrying the torpedo, may be employed as a watercontainer to such extent of its volume as may be desired bycorresponding movement of its piston within the torpedo tube, fortrimming the ship. 1 I

Referring now'to Figs. 4 and 5, which show another embodiment ofmy'invention, 80,"8| and 82 designate bottom frame members arrangedparallel to each other'and extending transversely of the hull 83, To thebottom frame members'8ll, 8| and 82 is s'ecured'a-bottom plate or plates84, forming thereby a fiat floor for the bottom ofthe hull-83. "Also, byreason of the arrangement of the members 88, 8l and 82, there isprovided in theb'ottom'8'4a pluralityof steps 85 and 86, therebyproviding a-hydro'plan'e bottom formation for the null 83. Arrangedparallel with the bottom and spaced above and parallel to the bottom arelongitudinals 81 and between the longitudinals 81 and the outer lateraledges of the members 89, 8| and 82 is stretched the side plating 88. ofresilient material, such as rubber. Extending between the members 81 andarranged substantially parallel to the bottom 84 of the hull is a deck89 which defines in association with the bottom 84 and side plating 88 ahold or compartment, or series of compartments, in which is housed theoperative machinery for the device. The deck 89 is enclosed throughoutits entire width and length by a hood or covering 99, and which inassociation with the deck 89 defines ach'amber in which islocated acontrol room together with various tanks for holding particularly airunder pressure. The con-. trol room is located at the forward end of thedeck 89 and is designated by the reference numeral 9|. At the rear ofthe hull 83 is arranged the usual rudder 92 and the propeller 93 whichis mounted on a shaft 94 extending through agland at the rear of thehull 83, and having its forward endmounted in a. bearing 95 and providedwith a gear 96. p

In the lower end of the hull 93 is arranged a torpedo tube 91 in whichis slidably mounted a piston 98 having attached to its forward end atoggle clutch member 99 and having attached to its rear one end of acable I99 which is mounted on a reel I9I. Ordinarily mounted within thetorpedo tube 91 is a torpedo I92 provided with the usual rudders I93 andpropellers I94, and the propeller shaft of such torpedo is provided witha device I95 which is associated with the toggle clutch members 99 onthe piston 98. When the torpedo I92 is in position,the no se I96 of thewar-head thereof may project slightly beyond the hull 83 and I havearranged therefor a gasket I9'I of resilient material which willmaintain a water-tight joint between the war-head and the hull 8'3.

Mounted on the top of the cross frame members 89 and 8| is a platformI98 provided with a slideway I99 extending longitudinally of theplatform and parallel with the length of the hull 83. On the platform isa prime mover such as a Dieselengine H9 and a compressor III. The engineI I9 is directly connected through its driving shaft I I2 to thecompressor III and the compressor III is connected to but slidablelongiv tudinally with respect to a hollow shaft I I3 rotatably mountedin a hanger bearing 1 I4 depending from the under side of the deck 89.Also, the engine H9 and compressor III are rigidly connected together byspacing rods II5. Mounted on the after end of the platform I99 is acylinder II6 closed at both ends by cylinder heads (not shown) and inone of such cylinder heads is an opening in which is slidably mounted apiston rod III, the forward end of which is attached to the rear end ofthe base of the compressor III and the rear end of which is attached toa piston (not shown) slidably mounted within the cylinder IIB. Mechanismof the usual type is arranged under the control of an operator withinthe operating compartment 9| for passing air under pressure to eitherside of the piston within the cylinder II6 atwill, to thereby render itpossible for the operator in the control compartment 9I to move, as aunit, the engine 9 and compressor III longitudinally in either directionon the slideway I99 on the upper surface of the platform I98. Thismechanism is essential because of the small size of the entire apparatusand the unbalancing which must necessarily occur when atorpedo IN iseither discharged from the torpedo tube 91oz drawn into such tube.

The operator under such circumstances therefore in order to maintain thehull 83 in balance will move the engine H9 and compressor III eitherforward or aft of the hull in order to maintain the hull in balance. I

Secured to the shaft H3 is the forward end of a shaft II8, which isrotatably mounted in a bearing formed in the cross frame member 82. Thisshaft H8 is provided adjacent the hanger bearing II4 with a beveledpinion II9 which meshes with and drives a beveled gear I29,

mounted at the top of a shaft I2I, and by means of which power istransmitted to the reel I9I,

the power being imparted to the reel I9I so as to rotate the same atwillto draw the piston 98 by means of the cable I99 rearwardly when itis desired to draw a torpedo I92 into the torpedo tube 91. I

At the rear end of the shaft H8 is a gear I2I, whichmeshes with anddrives a gear I22 attaehed to the rotor shaft of an air turbine I23,

and which shaft has at its rear end a gear I24, which meshes with anddrives the gear 96 attached to the forwardfend of the posteriorpropeller shaft 94. Because .of the usual and known construction, and asexplained in connection with Figs. 1, 2 and 3, thevarious tanks forcompressed air and the various controlj'valves for the differentmechanisms above described have not been shown in further detail inconnection with Figs. 4 and 5. This omission is for the sake ofsimplicity of showing and description, and it is believed that themethod of operation of the various devices by control devices. locatedwithin convenient reach of the operator within the control compartment9| will be readily understood from the hereinabove description of theconstruction shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3.

It is understood also that in connection with Figs. 1, 2 and 3, there isprovided naturally diving vanes for inducing an upward and downwardmotion of the bulls in the water, in addition to the steering mechanism92. tion is shown in- Figs. 4 and 5 where I25 designates a shaft mountedin suitable bearings I26 in the shell of the hull, and having attachedto its outer endsand without the hull the diving vanes I21. Secured tothe shaft I25 intermediate its ends is a worm wheel I28 with whichmeshes a Worm I29 attached to the lower end of a column or shaft I39,such shaft being provided at its upper end with a wheel I3I withinconvenient reach of an operator within the control compartment 9 I. Sucha mechanism as described in Figs. 4 and 5 will of necessity be providedin the construction shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, but, for simplicity ofshowing, such mechanism has been omitted in such Figs. 1, 2 and 3.

Figs. 6 and '7 show a preferred formof the hull wherein the structurecomprises a substantially cigar-shaped metal body 9911 which is the fullTh'e ballonets I59 are arranged within the cas- 8 ing I 3-88 partiallysurroundingthe cigar-shaped Such a constr'ucbody 9% and are inflated inthe same manner as described to inflate the compartments within thefiexible'panels 13 of Figs. 1 to 3 and panels 88 of Figs. 4 and 5. Theother elements embodied within the other forms of hull shown by Figs. 1,2, 3, 4 and 5 are identical and designed to be arranged in the samerelative positions as of the other forms of the invention in 'order tobalance and trim the hull.

The outer flexible casing 53-48 is forced and held to form by inflatingbal'l'onets 150. In case of the puncturing of one or more of theballonets I50, the other ballonets are designed to enlarge automaticallyto fill the space due to the collapse of the other ballonets.

In order to submerge the form shown in Figs. 6 and '7, the air or gas iswithdrawn from the ballonets I 58 in the same manner as described tocollapse the panels l3 as of Figs. 1-3 and 88 as of Figs. 4 and 5.

Whereas I have described my invention by reference to specific formsthereof, it will be understood that many changes and modifications maybe made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. A submersible vessel combining an inner hull comprising a supportingframe, an outer flexible hull substantially surrounding said inner hulland made of material flexible enough to deform and capable of assumingoriginal form after being deformed, said outer hull subject to beinginflated for surface navigation and deflated to submerge the vessel, andballonets encased within said outer flexible hull and capable of holdingsaid outer flexible hull to form.

2. A submersible Vessel comprising a rigid framework of mutually spacedstructural members defining a skeleton frame, flexible, impervious sheetmaterial secured to and extending between successive structural membersto provide fleXibleside-plating enclosing the vessel; a rigid deckinternally of said vessel to subdivide the same, air compressor meansfor generating gaseous pressure within the hull to permit the saidflexible side plating to be expended against the water pressureexternally of said hull or partially collapsed by said water pressureaccording to the buoyancy requirements of said hull, and drive means forsaid air compressor.

3. A vessel according to claim 2, in which the compressor means may beshifted laterally of said hull to trim the vessel.

4. A vessel according to claim 2 in which the compressor means and drivemeans therefor are articulated and may be collectively shifted withinthe hull to adjust the center of gravity thereof.

5. A vessel including a skeleton frame of rigid structural membersjoined at their front ends to a common rigid nosepiece and at theiropposite ends to a common rigid stempiece, a flexible hull platingcomprising resilient flexible sheet material secured to said structuralmembers and means for controlling the cubical content of said hull bygaseous pressure generated within said hull to expand said flexible hullor to permit the controlled collapse thereof under the water pressureexterna'liy of said hull.

- 6. A vessel according to claim 5, in which the vessel includes atorpedo tube, means for discharging the torpedo, and means forintroducing water into the torpedo tube for compensating for the weightof the discharged torpedo to trim the vessel.

'7. A vvessel comprising a rigid framework dean inner hull, an outerplate, of flexible, material secured to and extending around said innerhull, inflatable means disposed between said inner hull and saidflexible outer plating, and means within the vessel for controlling theinflation of said inflatable means.

JESSE D. LANGDON.

